Issues: Troops

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan announced today that his office will be honoring Flag Day and National Flag Week by providing the public with valuable information regarding the history of Old Glory and guidelines for its proper handling.

“Flag Day and National Flag Week is a special time of the year when all Americans try to do something special to honor the flag and all it represents. My office will be offering information so that everyone knows the proper time to display the flag, when it’s appropriate to salute it, and how to respectfully dispose of worn flags,” the Senator said.

Putnam County veteran received prestigious honor at “Hall of Fame” event

Albany, N.Y. – (06/14/11) – Senator Greg Ball (R, C – Patterson), Chairman of the Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committee, is honoring New York’s heroes at the annual New York State Senate Veteran’s Hall of Fame event. Chairman Ball is proud to announce that a Putnam County resident and highly decorated Vietnam combat veteran, Karl R. Rohde, is amongst the group of brave men and women who is being recognized.

Colonel Theresa Mercado- Sconzo Sent to Abu Ghraib to restore Honor to United States After Prisoner Abuse Scandal

(Albany)- Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D/I/WF- 35th District) inducted Colonel Theresa Mercado-Sconzo (United State Army Nursing Corp) into the New York State Senate Veteran’s Hall of Fame at a ceremony in Albany. Colonel Mercado-Sconzo, of Pleasantville, NY, was deployed to Abu Ghraib prison in March of 2005 to serve as officer in charge of the detainee camps and emergency room shortly after the prisoner abuse and torture scandal was exposed.

Colonel Theresa Mercado- Sconzo Sent to Abu Ghraib to Restore Honor to United States After Prisoner Abuse Scandal

(Albany)- Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D/I/WF- 35th District) inducted Colonel Theresa Mercado-Sconzo (United State Army Nursing Corp) into the New York State Senate Veteran’s Hall of Fame at a ceremony today in Albany. Colonel Mercado-Sconzo, of Pleasantville, NY, was deployed to Abu Ghraib prison in March of 2005 to serve as officer in charge of the detainee camps and emergency room shortly after the prisoner abuse and torture scandal was exposed.

ALBANY, N.Y.--Senator David J. Valesky (D-Oneida) today announced the induction of Albert Paviglianti, of Canastota, into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame in honor of his meritorious service to the nation and his community.

“I am pleased to have the opportunity to thank Mr. Paviglianti for his bravery and sacrifice serving our nation in the Marines, and for his continued commitment to the community through his leadership in the American Legion,” Senator Valesky said.

A bill sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie (R-C, Heuvelton) that could let military reservists cut their property tax bill was passed Monday by the Senate.

The measure, S.5231, gives local counties, cities, towns and villages an option to offer reservists the same property tax benefit that is currently available to other veterans who served their nation during specific periods of conflict.

“The changing nature of threats to our nation has also changed the demands that we put on the men and women of our military reserves, who are increasingly called upon to serve side by side with active duty military to defend our freedom and way of life,” Senator Ritchie said.

“These are our ‘citizen soldiers’ who often times interrupt their careers and spend long stretches away from the families, communities and friends—just like those in the active duty service—but aren’t entitled to the same benefits back home. This bill shows our gratitude and respect for all that they do for us.”

Senator Gallivan spent Memorial Day thanking veterans and honoring the fallen at the Town of Wales Memorial Day Parade, and later joined Orchard Park's American Legion Post 567 for the dedication of their Memorial Wall.

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R,C,I – Erie County) announced a series of initiatives today designed to benefit area veterans, current service members and military families. The announcement comes in conjunction with the national observance of Memorial Day.

Hauppauge, NY- State Senator Lee M. Zeldin (R, C, I- Shirley) announced today that he is kicking off a drive to collect cell phones for soldiers. Zeldin (Above, Center), a captain in the U.S. Army Reserves, said that his office in the State Office Building in Hauppauge (250 Veteran's Memorial Hwy. Hauppauge, NY), will serve as a collection site for the Cell Phones for Soldiers project.

Cell Phones for Soldiers was founded by teenagers, Robbie and Brittany Bergquist, from Norwell, Mass., with $21 of their own money. Since then, the registered 501c3 non-profit organization has raised almost $2 million in donations and distributed more than 500,000 prepaid calling cards to soldiers serving overseas.

Senator Shirley L. Huntley (D-Jamaica) and the New York State Senate passed a package of nine bills today which will expand or launch new benefits programs for the brave New Yorkers who have fought for our nation’s freedom.

CARMEL, NY (5/20/2011) – Senator Greg Ball (R, C – Patterson) announced that Friday’s fundraiser for LCpl John Curtin, held at the Carmel VFW Hall, raised more than $10,000 for the Curtin family with more than 200 attendees.